Apparatus and Method for Cleaning Air Filters

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for cleaning air filters utilizes a pressurized fluid flow, preferably air, to rotate a set of air spraying jets inside a hollow interior of a filter in order to remove particles from the filter. To ensure proper positioning of the jets in relation to the filter the present invention uses a set of plates with slots and pins, wherein the pins secure the apparatus on one end of the filter. The set of plates also at least partially blocks the flow of air out of the ends to more efficiently direct the flow of air from the jets to the filter. The jets then may be moved reciprocated along the length of the filter for cleaning purposes.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of International Application PCT/US2011/047180,with an international filing date of Aug. 10, 2011, pending.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to air filter cleaningdevices and, more particularly, this invention relates to an apparatusfor cleaning, by way of compressed air, air filters which are used ininternal combustion engines on heavy off-road and over the roadvehicles.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

N/A

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTINGCOMPACT DISC APPENDIX

N/A

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As is generally well known, air filters are used extensively to preventparticulate impurities such as dust and dirt from entering into thecombustion chambers of engines. A typical air filter is annular inconstruction and has a filtering medium which is incorporated into thecylindrical side wall and which allows for passage of air but traps theparticulates on its outer surface. When the particulate build-up becomessignificant, the air flow through the filtering medium is restrictedcausing abnormal operation of the combustion engine that increasesoperating costs, decrease engine performance, decrease engine efficiencyand may potentially result in engine failure.

On passenger-type vehicles, it takes a relatively long period of timefor the air filter to accumulate significant amount of particulate whichwill restrict air flow and, therefore, these air filters are replacedrelatively infrequently.

On heavy off-road and over the road vehicles, it is common for airfilters to accumulate undesirable amount of particulate in a matter ofdays. Thus, these air filters need frequent attention to maintain therequired air flow. However, air filter replacement is usuallyprohibitive due to cost of the new air filter requiring the operators ofsuch vehicles to periodically clean air filters. One cleaning method isto repeatedly strike the air filter against a rigid structure todislodge the particulate. However, it has been found that such methoddoes not remove all accumulated particulate. Another method involves useof an air hose with the nozzle inserted into the inner aperture orcavity of the air filter. However, the air is discharged through thenozzle at higher than desirable pressure capable of damaging thefiltering medium and requires greater than desirable effort andconcentration by the operator to adequately clean the air filter withoutdamaging filtering medium.

Prior to the instant invention, efforts have been made to alleviatedifficulties in cleaning air filters.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,078,763 issued to Blount-Gillette discloses one type ofa portable air filter cleaning device that includes a bottom platemember having a flat upper surface, an apertured vertical columnconnected to a high pressure air hose and fixed to the bottom member,and a top plate member, removable from the vertical column, having aflat bottom surface, where an annular filter is placed around thevertical column and top plate member is placed onto the vertical column,sealing the filter between the top plate member and the bottom platemember. Air is then forced into the vertical column, exiting through theapertures and through the filter itself, forcing any accumulatedparticles off the surface of the filter.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,958,296 issued to Fell discloses another type of theportable filter cleaning device that includes a housing and an uppermember. The air filter to be cleaned is inserted between the housing andthe upper member. The upper member is provided with a verticallydepending rotatable pipe means provided with radially directed nozzles.The pipe means is also provided with a pair of nozzles directed at anangle to the radial to provide a rotary movement to the pipe means. Theair filter cleaner may be operated from air compressors readilyavailable on the job site, such as compressors on the heavy constructionequipment itself.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,057, McMahon discloses yet another type of theportable air filter cleaning device that includes en elongated, readilygripable handle having a through bore and a connector at one end forcoupling to an air supply hose, and a rotary head is rotatably mountedon the other end of the handle. The rotary head has an internal airdistribution chamber with small outlet openings in its outer peripheralwall for spraying air from the chamber. Rotor outlet passageways in theperipheral wall are arranged at an angle to cause the head to spin in aturbine-like fashion when air flow is directed from the chamber and outthrough the passageways. The rotating head sprays air outwardly acrossthe surface of an air filter unit to dislodge dirt from filter paper ina filter unit.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,815,701 issued to Applicant of this application providesa conically shaped member that seals one end of the filter and includesan induction chamber so as to rotate the elongated shaft having orificesdisposed along the length thereof.

However, there is a further need for an improved apparatus for cleaningair filters of various lengths and diameters particularly at low airpressure supply.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect, the invention provides an apparatus forcleaning air filters. The present invention utilizes a pressurized fluidflow, preferably air, to rotate a set of air spraying jets inside anaperture or cavity of a filter in order to remove particles from thefilter. To ensure proper positioning of the jets in relation to thefilter the instant invention uses a set of plates with slots andcentering pins, wherein the pins position and center the apparatus onone end of the filter. The set of plates also at least partially blocksthe flow of air out of the ends to more efficiently direct the flow ofair from the jets to the filter. The jets may be then moved orreciprocated along the length of the filter for cleaning purposes.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention toprovide a portable apparatus for cleaning air filters with a pressurizedfluid flow.

Another object of the present invention to provide a portable apparatusfor cleaning air filters with compressed air.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus forcleaning air filters which are used in internal combustion engines onheavy off-road and over the road vehicles.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an air filtercleaning apparatus which is suitable for use with air filters ofdifferent lengths.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an air filtercleaning apparatus which is suitable for use with air filters of variousdiameters.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide an airfilter cleaning apparatus that can be used with low air pressure.

Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide an airfilter cleaning apparatus with a filter mounting member capable ofsecuring and centering filters of various lengths and diameters to saidmounting member.

Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide an airfilter cleaning apparatus with a filter mounting member capable ofsecuring and centering filters of various lengths and diameters to saidmounting member, comprising a first plate with a set of substantiallystraight slots radiating out from a first center aperture, a secondplate with a set of curved slots radiating out from a second centeraperture and a set of pins for centering a filter.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide an airfilter cleaning apparatus which includes a rotating hollow member havinga plurality of ports to direct supplied air pressure to the innersurface of the filtering medium.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air filtercleaning apparatus which includes a rotating hollow member having anirregularly shaped interior for a plurality of apertures to directsupplied air pressure to the inner surface of the filtering medium.

In addition to the several objects and advantages of the presentinvention which have been described with some degree of specificityabove, various other objects and advantages of the invention will becomemore readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevantart, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction withthe attached drawing Figures and with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an apparatus of the present invention forcleaning air filters;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 1along lines III-III of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional planar view of the apparatus along lines V-Vof FIG. 4, particularly illustrating the interior geometries of the bodyand bearing shaft;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a mechanism for centeringair filter along shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a partial top view of the centering mechanism of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a planar elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 mountedwithin an enclosure and connected to powered device for enacting linearmotion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the presentinvention, it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity andunderstanding, identical components which have identical functions havebeen identified with identical reference numerals throughout the severalviews illustrated in the drawing figures.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1-8, wherein there is shown an apparatus,generally designated as 10. The apparatus 10 is shown and described inuse for cleaning an air filter 2 which is generally employed in internalcombustion engines on heavy off-road or over the road vehicles which arenot shown but well known in the art. Briefly, such air filter 2 has atubular, sleeve-like shape with a hollow interior 4. A filtering medium6 is mounted intermediate ends of the air filter 2 and has interiorsurface 8 and exterior surface 9. However, it is within the scope of theinvention to use the apparatus 10 for any other hollow air filtershaving at least one open end.

One essential element of the apparatus 10 is a member 20 having a hollowinterior 22 and adapted for communicating a flow of pressurized fluidtherethrough. Preferably, such member 20 is an elongated rigid tubularmember manufactured from lightweight material, such as aluminum. Themember 20 defines a longitudinal axis 12 of the apparatus 10 and has apair of ends 24 and 26 spaced apart from each other along thelongitudinal axis 12. During operation, one end of the elongated member20, referenced with numeral 24 in FIG. 3 is connected to a source offluid under pressure (not shown), preferably regulated by a conventionaltrigger 16 attached to the member 20 with a threaded member 18 or anyother devices operable to selectively supply and discontinue supply ofthe fluid under pressure. Preferably, such fluid under pressure iscompressed air. Although the member 20 may be of a flexible type, suchas a hose, it is presently preferred for the reasons to be explainedlater to manufacture such member 20 from a substantially rigid material.Therefore, in the remaining portion of this document, the member 20 willbe referred to as a first elongated rigid member 20.

Another essential element of the apparatus 10 is a body, generallydesignated as 30. The body 30 is disposed at an axially opposite end ofthe member 20, referenced with numeral 26 in FIG. 4. The body 30 is bestshown in FIG. 4 as being comprised of two body portion. The first bodyportion, generally designated as 40, is disposed at the axially oppositeend 26 of the first elongated rigid member 20. The first body portion 40includes a base 42 having a pair of spaced apart generally planarsurfaces defining thickness of the base 42 and being disposed generallynormal to the longitudinal axis 12 of the apparatus 10. A centralaperture 44 is formed through the thickness of the base 42. There isalso a peripheral wall 46 that depends from the base 42. The peripheralwall 46 has a frustoconical wall portion 48 disposed next to the base 42and a generally cylindrical wall portion 50 extending from thefrustoconical wall portion 48. A first peripheral notch 54 is formed onan inner surface 52 of the generally cylindrical wall portion 50adjacent distal end of the peripheral wall 46. The base 42 and theperipheral wall 46 define in combination a hollow interior 56 of thefirst body portion 40.

The second body portion, generally designated as 60, is disposed axiallywith the first body portion 40. The second body portion 60 includes apair of axial ends 62 and 64 spaced apart along the longitudinal axis 12and defining length of the second body portion 60. A first axial bore 66is formed through the length of the second body portion 60 and isprovided in fluid communication with a hollow interior 22 of the firstelongated member 20. At least one and, preferably, a plurality of ports68 are formed through a wall thickness of the second body portion 60 andare disposed in a radial spaced-apart pattern in a plane being normal tothe longitudinal axis 12. The at least one port 68 is provided in fluidcommunication with the first axial bore 66 and communicates pressurizedfluid flow external to the second body portion 60 when the pressurizedfluid flows through the hollow interior 22. There is also a secondperipheral notch 72 being disposed on an outer surface 70 of the secondbody portion 60 adjacent the axial end 62 thereof being disposedadjacent the distal end of the peripheral wall 46 of the first bodyportion 40. The second peripheral notch 72 is sized to operatively matewith the first peripheral notch 54 so as to rigidly and sealingly securethe second body portion 60 to the first body portion 40, for example byway of a adhesive (not shown) or any other conventional means. Althoughthe body 30 has been illustrated in FIG. 4 as being manufactured fromseparate first body portion 40 and second body portion 60, the instantinvention contemplates that such body 30 can be manufactured as asingle-piece unitary member. In either form, the body 30 is preferablymanufactured from a plastic material and, more particularly, fromengineered thermoplastic material, for example such as materialmanufactured by E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co. of Wilmington, Del. underthe general Delrin brand.

Advantageously, the hollow interior 56 defines a closed chamber when thefirst body portion 40 is rigidly and sealingly secured to the secondbody portion 60. For the reasons to be explained later, the apparatus 10further includes a plurality of baffles 76 disposed in the closedchamber 56 and securely attached to at least one of the inner surface ofthe peripheral wall 46 of the first body portion 40 and a surface of theaxial end 62 of the second body portion 60. It is presently preferredthat the at least one port 68 is disposed independent to the closedchamber 56 so as to enable proper rotation of the body 30. Independentmeans herein that the at least one port 68 is disposed outside orexternal of the closed chamber 56 but within body 30.

A second elongated member, generally designated as 80, is provided so asto operatively mount the body 30 at the axial end 26 of the firstelongated member 20. The second elongated member 80 includes aperipheral surface 82 being so sized that a first axial end 84 of thesecond elongated member 80 is rigidly secured within the hollow interior22 of the first elongated member 20. A radial generally planar flange 86upstands on the peripheral surface 82 of the second elongated member 80and has one surface thereof positioned in direct contact with theaxially opposite end 26 of the first elongated rigid member 20. A secondaxial bore 88 is formed through a length of the second elongated member80 in fluid communication with the hollow interior 22 of the firstelongated member 20 and each of the plurality of ports 68. Thus, thesecond elongated member 80 is also a generally hollow member. At leastone and preferably a pair of orifices 90 are formed through a wall ofthe second elongated member 80 generally normal to the longitudinal axis12 and in fluid communication with the second axial bore 88 and theclosed chamber 56. Each of the pair of orifices 90 is disposed at anangle to surfaces of the plurality of baffles 76 so as to direct thepressurized fluid flow at least onto the surfaces of the plurality ofbaffles 76. Furthermore, the central aperture 44 of the first bodyportion 40 and the first axial bore 68 of the second body portion 60 arebeing so sized that the first and second body portions, 40 and 60respectively, rotate on the peripheral surface 82 of the secondelongated member 80 when the pressurized fluid flow is communicatedthrough the hollow interior 22 of the first elongated member 20. Thus,the baffles 76 and orifices 90 essentially provide means for rotatingthe body 30 on the second elongated member 80 upon supply of pressurizedfluid flow. Preferably, the second elongated member 80 is manufacturedfrom a friction reducing material, for example such as brass, so as toprovide a bearing-like surface and facilitate the rotation of the body30. Although it is also contemplated to manufacture the second elongatedmember 80 from other materials and either coat its peripheral surface 82with friction reducing materials or mount a bearing bushing (not shown)on the peripheral surface 82.

To facilitate cleaning of the filtering medium 6, there is provided atleast one and preferably a plurality of optional elongated nozzles 92,each of the plurality of elongated nozzles 92 having a proximal end 94thereof detachably attached in fluid communication to a respective oneof the plurality of ports 68 and having a distal end 96 thereofextending a predetermined distance from the outer surface of the secondbody portion 60 so as to communicate the pressurized fluid flow externalthereto and onto the interior surface 8 of the filtering medium 6. Thenozzles 92 are so dimensioned that the distal end 96 is positioned inclose proximity to the interior surface 8 of the filtering medium 6 ofthe filter 2.

Finally, a lock fitting 98 is detachably attached to an axially opposedend 89 of the second elongated member 80 so as to operatively retain thebody 30 for rotation on the peripheral surface 82 of the secondelongated member 80 and substantially seal the first axial bore 66 ofthe second body portion 60. Such lock fitting may be a conventionalquarter-turn fastener aided in operation by a spring 99. Lock fitting 98also facilitates change-over of the body 30 and nozzles 92 either forcleaning purposes of the chamber 56, nozzles 92 and/or the secondelongated member 80 or to install a new body 30 with different nozzles92 so as to better adapt the apparatus 10 to a particular design of thefilter 2.

In operation, the individual tasked with cleaning the filter 2 maysimply grasp the exterior surface of the first elongated member 20 so asto move the body 30 in a reciprocal linear direction within the hollowinterior 4 of the filter 2. When the filter 2 is not elongated, as oftenfound in passenger-type vehicles, the user can simply insert the body 30into the opening of such filter with only minimal linear movement or nomovement at all and withdraw the body 30 after cleaning cycle iscompleted.

The above-described apparatus 10, and more particularly, the use of thebody 30 and nozzles 92, have been found advantageous in cleaning mostair filters presently in use with air pressure of about sixty (60)pounds per square inch (PSI). At such supply air pressure, it has beenfound advantageous to provide nozzles with an internal diameter in therange between about 0.06 inches and about 0.125 inches.

While the user may effectively clean the elongated filter 2 by simplymoving the body 30 in the reciprocal linear direction, the instantinvention contemplates means, generally designated as 100, for mountingthe first elongated member 20 and the body 30 on one end of the filter 2so as to aid and facilitate reciprocal linear movement thereof.

By way of an example of FIGS. 1-3, such mounting means 100 comprises afirst mounting member 110 that includes a pair of generally planarsurfaces positioned normal to the longitudinal axis 12 and spaced apartto define thickness of the first mounting member 110. A central aperture112 is formed through the thickness of the first mounting member 110. Acylindrical sleeve 114 is secured to and upstands on one of the pair ofgenerally planar surfaces of the first mounting member 110. Thecylindrical sleeve 114 has a hollow interior 116 axially aligned withthe central aperture 112 formed through the thickness of the firstmounting member 110 and is being sized to receive an exterior surface ofthe first elongated member 20 in a manner wherein the first elongatedmember 20 is mounted for a reciprocal sliding movement along thelongitudinal axis 12. In use, one surface of the mounting member 110 isrested on one end of the filter 2 and the first elongated member 20 issimply moved, manually, in the reciprocal linear direction within thesleeve 114. The first mounting member 110 is also advantageous forclosing one end of the filter 2 so as to improve the cleaning process,although it is not necessary in the instant invention to seal the oneend of the filter 2.

In the most presently preferred embodiment, the instant inventionprovides means, generally designated as 120, for centering the firstelongated member 20 and the body 30 on one end of filter 2. As bestshown in FIGS. 1-2 and 6-7, such means 120 includes a plurality ofgenerally straight slots 122 formed in a spaced apart radial patternthrough the thickness of the first mounting member 110 and radiatingfrom the longitudinal axis 12. The means 120 further includes a secondmounting member 124 that has a pair of generally planar surfacespositioned normal to the longitudinal axis 12 and spaced apart to definethickness of the second mounting member 124. Preferably, one surface ofthe second mounting member 124 is positioned in a direct,surface-to-surface, contact with one surface of the first mountingmember 110. A central aperture 126 is formed through the thickness ofthe second mounting member 124 and is sized so as to pass an exteriorsurface of the cylindrical sleeve 114 therethrough. A plurality ofcurved slots 128 are formed in a spaced apart radial pattern through thethickness of the second mounting member 124 in alignment with theplurality of generally straight slots 122. A width of each of theplurality of curved slots 128 may be greater than a width of each of theplurality of generally straight slots 122.

Furthermore, there is a plurality of centering members, generallydesignated as 130, best shown in FIGS. 1 and 6. Each of the plurality ofcentering members 130 passes through a pair of respectively alignedgenerally straight and curved slots, 122 and 128 respectively. Eachcentering member 130 includes an elongated generally round rigid body132 having a pair of axially opposite ends and having a peripheralsurface sized so as to be passed through the respective generallystraight slot 122. A thread 136 is formed on an exterior surface 134 ofthe generally round rigid body 132 adjacent one axial end thereof. Aperipheral flange 138 may be disposed on the peripheral surface 134 ofthe generally round rigid body 132 mediate the axial ends thereof andgenerally normal to the longitudinal axis 12. In operation, rotation ofthe second mounting member 124 relative to the first mounting member 110causes selective linear movement of the plurality of centering members130 radially toward to and away from the longitudinal axis 12 asdirected by the curved slots 128 and guided by the straight slots 110.Thus, the exterior surface 134 of each centering member 130 adjacent abottom end thereof is positioned in direct contact with the innersurface 8 of the filtering medium 6 of the filter 2. To facilitaterotation, the second mounting member 124 is adapted with at least onegrip member 125 disposed on the surface thereof. Advantageously, thegenerally straight slots 122 and generally curved slots 128 causesubstantially identical movement of all centering members 130 I theradial direction.

In order to temporarily fix such adjusted position of the centeringmembers 130, the instant invention provides a plurality of lockingfasteners 140, each of the plurality of locking fasteners 140 includinga rigid body 142, a threaded bore 144 formed in one end of the rigidbody 142 of the each of the plurality of locking fasteners 140 and sizedto operatively mate with the thread 136 on the centering member 130. Inoperation, a rotation of the locking fastener 140 in one directionapplies a clamping force to clamp thicknesses of the first and secondmounting members, 110 and 124 respectively between one surface of theperipheral flange 138 of the centering member 130 and an end of therigid body 142 of the locking fastener 140. Rotation of the lockingfastener 140 in the opposite direction releases the clamping force andallows radial movement of the respective centering member 130.

Thus, a method for cleaning a tubular sleeve-shaped air filter 2includes the step of providing an apparatus 10. Then, positioning thebody 30 of the apparatus 10 within a hollow interior 4 of the air filter2, preferably at one end thereof. Next, connecting the first elongatedmember 20 of the apparatus 10 to a source of pressurized fluid flow (notshown). Delivering the pressurized fluid flow, by way of ports 68 in thebody 20 to an internal surface 8 of the sleeve-shaped air filteringmedium 6. Finally, moving the body 30, preferably by way of the firstelongated member 20, in a reciprocal motion axially along a length ofthe air filter 2. The most presently preferred method includes the stepof providing at least one mounting member 110 with a sleeve 114 andinserting the first elongated member 20 into the sleeve 114 prior tomoving the body 30 in the axial direction.

The instant invention also contemplates that the apparatus 10 can beadapted with powered means for selectively enacting a linear reciprocalmovement of the first elongated member 20 and the body 30.

In further reference to FIG. 8, such powered means, generally designatedas 200, includes a base 210 that is mounted in stationary position,preferably in a generally horizontal plane. There is also means formounting the first elongated member 20 and the body 30 for thereciprocal linear movement. Such mounting means may include theabove-described sleeve 114 added to the base 210. Advantageously, thesecond mounting member 224 with the centering members 130 and lockingmembers 140 may be employed in this embodiment in combination with thebase 210, which additionally is adapted to function as theabove-described first mounting member 110. The powered means 200 furtherincludes means connected to the first elongated member 20 for enactingthe reciprocal linear movement thereof. Such linear movement enactingmeans may include a cylinder 212 having a movable portion 214 thereofconnected to the first elongated member 20, wherein the movable portion214 moves linearly when commanded. It would be advantageously to connectsuch cylinder 212 to the same source of compressed air (not shown),although a hydraulic cylinder can be employed in the instant invention.Furthermore, any powered devices capable of generating linear motion canbe employed herewithin.

The instant invention also contemplates enclosing the filter 2 duringcleaning process. Accordingly, a generally closed hollow enclosure 220is provided and is mounted in a depending manner on the base 210,wherein at least the body 30 is disposed within the enclosure 220 duringcleaning of the filter 2. The enclosure 220 includes four peripheralwalls 222 and an end wall 224. The end wall 224 may be adapted with ahinge 226 for pivotal connection to one of the four peripheral walls 222so as to provide means for accessing the interior of the enclosure 220.Alternatively, one of the side walls 222 may be hinged or may be adaptedwith a hinged door (not shown).

In combination with enclosure 220, it is contemplated to provide meansfor generating suction within the hollow enclosure 220. Such suctiongenerating means may be a conventional vacuum cleaner 230 connected withthe hose 232 to an aperture 234 in the base 210 with vent apertures 236provided in the hollow enclosure 220. Or the hose 232 may be connectedto a central vacuuming system (not shown) that may be available in thelocations designated for cleaning the filter 2.

It has been also found advantageous to provide means for releaseablysecuring the air filter 2 positioned on the base 210 during cleaningprocess. By way of an example only of FIG. 8, such releaseably securingmeans may include a plate 240 positioned in contact with one end of thefilter 2 and a biasing resilient member 242 having one end thereofattached to one surface of the plate 240 and having an opposite endattached to an inner surface of the hollow enclosure 220. Duringcleaning, the biasing resilient member 242 is sized to apply holdingpressure to the filter 2 so as to prevent its radial movement,particularly when the centering members 130 are not employed.

Although the centering means have been illustrated to include a pair ofplate shaped mounting members 110 and 124 with the generally straightslots 122 and generally curved slots 128, it is also contemplated thatthe second mounting member 124 may be replaced with a resilient biasingmean, such as springs (not shown) aligned with generally straight slots122 and biasing the centering members 130 outwardly toward theperipheral edge of the mounting member 110, so that the centeringmembers 130 move toward the longitudinal axis 12 when inserted into thehollow interior of the filter 2 in contact with the interior surface 8thereof and, at the same time, applying pressure onto the interiorsurface 8.

Furthermore, the thread-based locking fasteners 140 may be replaced witha lever and cam-type clamping assembly attached to one end of thecentering member 130.

Thus, the present invention has been described in such full, clear,concise and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art towhich it pertains to make and use the same. It will be understood thatvariations, modifications, equivalents and substitutions for componentsof the specifically described embodiments of the invention may be madeby those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

1. An apparatus comprising: (a) a member having hollow interiorcommunicating a pressurized fluid flow and defining a longitudinal axisof said apparatus; (b) a body mounted for rotation at one end of saidhollow member; (c) means for rotating said body in response to saidpressurized fluid flow communicated through said hollow interior of saidmember; (d) at least one port provided in said body external to saidmeans for rotating said body and in fluid communication with said hollowinterior of said member; and (e) wherein said at least one portcommunicates said pressurized fluid flow external to said body.
 2. Theapparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus includes atleast one elongated nozzle having a proximal end thereof operativelyconnected to said at least one port.
 3. The apparatus, according toclaim 1, wherein said means for rotating said body comprises: (a) aclosed chamber disposed within said body and having an irregular innersurface; (b) a second member having a hollow interior and further havingone end thereof secured to said one end of said member, said secondmember extending through said chamber, said hollow interior of saidsecond member is in fluid communication with each of said hollowinterior of said member and said at least one port; (c) at least oneorifice formed through a wall of said second member so as to directpressurized fluid flow onto said irregular inner surface; and (d)wherein said body is mounted for said rotation on a peripheral surfaceof said second member.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising asecond member having a hollow interior and further having one endthereof secured in fluid communication to an end of said membercommunicating said pressurized fluid flow, wherein said body is mountedfor said rotation on a peripheral surface of said second member.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for mounting said memberand said body for a reciprocal linear movement.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 5, wherein said mounting means includes: (a) a pair of spacedapart, generally flat surfaces defining thickness of said mountingmember; (b) a central aperture formed through said thickness; and (c) ahollow sleeve upstanding on one of said pair of generally flat surfacesin axial alignment with said central aperture, said sleeve is so sizedthat said member inserted into a hollow interior of said sleeve ismounted for said reciprocal linear movement.
 7. The apparatus of claim1, further comprising means for centering said member and said body onone end of a tubular filtering member.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7,wherein said centering means includes: (a) a first mounting member; (b)a second mounting member positioned in a surface to surface contact withsaid first mounting member; (c) a plurality of generally straight slotsformed in a spaced apart radial pattern through a thickness of saidfirst mounting member; (d) a plurality of curved slots formed in aspaced apart radial pattern through a thickness of said second mountingmember in alignment with said plurality of generally straight slots; (e)a plurality of centering members, each of said plurality of centeringmembers having a body portion thereof passed through a pair of alignedstraight and curved slots, a flange disposed on said body portion incontact with a surface of said first mounting member, a first endadapted for contact with an inner surface of the filtering member and athreaded second end extending beyond a surface of said second mountingmember, wherein rotation of said second mounting member relative to saidfirst mounting member causes selective linear movement of said pluralityof centering members radially toward to and away from said longitudinalaxis; and (f) a plurality of locking fasteners threadably engaging saidthreaded ends so as to temporarily fix said centering members at apredetermined distance from said longitudinal axis.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 8, further including at least one grip member disposed on asurface of said second mounting member.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1,further including powered means for selectively enacting a linearreciprocal movement of said member and said body.
 11. The apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein said powered means includes: (a) a base; (b) means formounting said member and said body for said reciprocal linear movement;(c) means connected to said member for enacting said reciprocal linearmovement; (d) a generally closed hollow enclosure depending from saidbase, wherein at least said body is disposed within said enclosureduring use of said apparatus; and (e) means for accessing interiorportion of said enclosure.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein saidenclosure includes four peripheral walls and an end wall and whereinsaid access means includes said end wall being pivotally connected toone of the four peripheral walls.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, furthercomprising means for generating suction within said hollow enclosure.14. The apparatus of claim 11, further including means for centeringsaid body within a tubular filtering member.
 15. The apparatus of claim14, wherein said centering means includes at least a hollow sleeveupstanding on said base.
 16. The apparatus of claim 11, furtherincluding means for releaseably securing a tubular filtering memberpositioned on said base during use of said apparatus.
 17. The apparatusof claim 16, wherein said releaseably securing means includes a platepositioned in contact with one end of the filtering member and aresilient biasing member having one end thereof attached to one surfaceof said plate and having an opposite end attached to an inner surface ofsaid hollow enclosure.
 18. An apparatus comprising: (a) a firstelongated rigid member having a hollow interior and communicating a flowof pressurized fluid therethrough when one end of said first elongatedrigid member is connected to a source of the pressurized fluid, saidfirst elongated rigid member defining longitudinal axis of saidapparatus; (b) a first body disposed at an axially opposite end of saidfirst elongated rigid member, said first body including: i. a basehaving a pair of spaced apart generally planar surfaces definingthickness of said base and disposed generally normal to saidlongitudinal axis of said apparatus, ii. a central aperture formedthrough said thickness of said base, iii. a peripheral wall dependingfrom said base, said peripheral wall having a frustoconical portiondisposed next to said base and a generally cylindrical portion, iv. afirst peripheral notch formed on an inner surface of said generallycylindrical portion adjacent distal end of said peripheral wall, and v.a hollow interior of said first body defined by said base and saidperipheral wall; (c) a second body disposed axially with said first bodyand including: i. a pair of axial ends spaced apart along thelongitudinal axis and defining length of said second body, ii. a firstaxial bore formed through said length of said second body, iii. aplurality of ports formed through a thickness of said second body anddisposed in a radial spaced-apart pattern in a plane being normal tosaid longitudinal axis, and iv. a second peripheral notch formed on anouter surface of said second body adjacent one axial end thereof beingdisposed adjacent said distal end of said peripheral wall of said firstbody, said second peripheral notch is sized to operatively mate withsaid first peripheral notch so as to secure said second body to saidfirst body; (d) a closed chamber defined by said hollow interior of saidfirst body being secured to said second body, wherein said plurality ofports are disposed external to said closed chamber; (e) a plurality ofbaffles disposed in said closed chamber and securely attached to atleast one of said inner surface of said peripheral wall of said firstbody and a surface of said one axial end of said second body; (f) asecond elongated member including: i. a peripheral surface being sosized that a first axial end of said second elongated member is rigidlysecured within said hollow interior of said first elongated member, ii.a radial generally planar flange upstanding on said peripheral surfaceof said second elongated member and having one surface thereofpositioned in direct contact with said axially opposite end of saidfirst elongated rigid member, iii. a second axial bore formed through alength of said second elongated member in fluid communication with saidhollow interior of said first elongated member and each of saidplurality of ports, iv. a pair of orifices formed through a wall of saidsecond elongated member generally normal to said longitudinal axis andin fluid communication with said second axial bore and said closedchamber, and v. wherein said pair of orifices is disposed at an angle tosurfaces of said plurality of baffles so as to direct said pressurizedfluid flow at least onto said surfaces of said plurality of baffles; (g)said central aperture of said first body and said first axial bore ofsaid second body are being so sized that said first and second bodiesrotate on said peripheral surface of said second elongated member whensaid pressurized fluid flow is communicated through said hollow interiorof said first elongated member; (h) a plurality of elongated nozzles,each of said plurality of elongated nozzles having a proximal endthereof detachably attached in fluid communication to a respective oneof said plurality of ports and having a distal end thereof extending apredetermined distance from said outer surface of said second body so asto communicate said pressurized fluid flow external thereto; (i) a lockfitting detachably attached to an axially opposed end of said secondelongated member so as to operatively retain said first and secondbodies for rotation on said peripheral surface of said second elongatedmember and substantially seal said first axial bore of said second body;(j) a first mounting member including: i. a pair of generally planarsurfaces positioned normal to said longitudinal axis and spaced apart todefine thickness of said first mounting member and a central apertureformed through said thickness of said first mounting member, ii. acylindrical sleeve secured to and upstanding on one of said pair ofgenerally planar surfaces of said first mounting member, saidcylindrical sleeve having a hollow interior axially aligned with saidcentral aperture formed through said thickness of said first mountingmember and being sized to receive an exterior surface of said firstelongated member in a manner wherein said first elongated member ismounted for a reciprocal linear movement along said longitudinal axis,and iii. a plurality of generally straight slots formed in a spacedapart radial pattern through said thickness of said first mountingmember; (k) a second mounting member including: i. a pair of generallyplanar surfaces positioned normal to said longitudinal axis and spacedapart to define thickness of said second mounting member, ii. a centralaperture formed through said thickness of said second mounting memberand sized to pass an exterior surface of said cylindrical sleevetherethrough, iii. a plurality of curved slots formed in a spaced apartradial pattern through said thickness of said second mounting member inalignment with said plurality of generally straight slots, and iv.wherein a width of each of said plurality of curved slots is greaterthan a width of each of said plurality of generally straight slots; (l)a plurality of centering members, each of said plurality of centeringmembers passed through a pair of respective generally straight andcurved slots and including: i. an elongated generally round rigid bodyhaving a pair of axially opposite ends and having a peripheral surfacesized so as to be passed through said pair of respective generallystraight and curved slots, ii. a thread formed on an exterior surface ofsaid elongated body of said each centering member adjacent one axial endthereof, iii. a peripheral flange disposed on said peripheral surface ofsaid generally round body mediate said axial ends thereof and generallynormal to said longitudinal axis, and iv. wherein rotation of saidsecond mounting member relative to said first mounting member causesselective linear movement of said plurality of centering members towardto and away from said longitudinal axis; (m) a plurality of lockingfasteners, each of said plurality of locking fasteners including: i. arigid body, ii. a threaded bore formed in said rigid body of said eachof said plurality of locking fasteners and sized to operatively matewith said thread on said centering member, and iii. wherein rotation ofsaid locking fastener in one direction clamps thicknesses of said firstand second mounting members between one surface of said peripheralflange of said centering member and an end of said rigid body of saidlocking fastener.
 19. A method of for cleaning a tubular air filteringmember, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing saidapparatus of claim 1; (b) positioning said body of said apparatus withinan hollow interior of said tubular air filtering member; (c) connectingsaid hollow member of said apparatus to a source of pressurized fluidflow; (d) delivering said pressurized fluid flow, by way of ports insaid body of said apparatus, to an internal surface of said tubular airfiltering member; and (e) moving said body, by way of said hollowmember, along a length of said tubular air filtering member duringdelivery of said pressurized fluid flow.
 20. The apparatus for cleaninga tubular air filtering member, said apparatus comprising: (a) a basemounted in stationary position, wherein one end of the tubular airfiltering member contacts one surface of said base; (b) a bodypositioned above said one surface of said base and having at least oneport; (c) a hollow member connected to said body in fluid communicationwith said at least one port, said hollow member is so mounted that saidhollow member and said body are mounted for a reciprocal linear movementwithin a hollow interior of the tubular air filtering member; (d) meansconnected to said hollow member for enacting said reciprocal linearmovement; (e) a generally closed hollow enclosure depending from saidbase, wherein at least said body is disposed within said generallyclosed hollow enclosure during use of said apparatus; (f) means foraccessing interior portion of said enclosure; and (g) wherein said atleast one port communicates a pressurized fluid flow external to saidbody toward an interior surface of the tubular air filtering member whensaid pressurized fluid pressure is connected to said hollow member.